Multiple power domains using nano-sheet structures

ABSTRACT

One aspect of this description relates to an integrated circuit (IC) structure including a first layer and a second layer. The first layer includes a first metal structure coupled to a first power supply having a first voltage level and a second metal structure coupled to a second power supply having a second voltage level different from the first voltage level. The second layer is formed over the first layer. The second layer includes a first nano-sheet device coupled to the first metal structure and a second nano-sheet device adjacent to the first nano-sheet device. The second nano-sheet device is coupled to the second metal structure. A distance between the first nano-sheet device and the second nano-sheet device is less than a minimum n-well to n-well spacing.

BACKGROUND

The present application relates to IC circuit schematic diagrams, IClayout diagrams, and IC structures, and more specifically, to multiplepower domains using nano-sheet structures.

An integrated circuit (IC) typically includes a number of semiconductordevices otherwise known as IC devices. One way to represent an IC deviceis with a plan view diagram referred to as a layout diagram, or IClayout diagram. An IC layout diagram is hierarchical and includesmodules which carry out high-level functions in accordance with the ICdevice's design specifications. The modules are often built from acombination of cells that can include both standard and custom cells,each of which represents one or more semiconductor structures.

Cells are configured to provide common, low-level functions, oftenperformed by transistors based on gate regions that intersect activeregions. The elements of a cell are arranged within a cell boundary andelectrically connected to other cells through interconnect structures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Aspects of the present disclosure are best understood from the followingdetailed description when read with the accompanying figures. It isnoted that, in accordance with the standard practice in the industry,various features are not drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of thevarious features may be arbitrarily increased or reduced for clarity ofdiscussion.

FIG. 1A depicts an integrated circuit (IC) layout diagram of a cell, inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 1B depicts an IC layout diagram of a cell, in accordance with someembodiments.

FIG. 1C depicts an IC structure, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 1D depicts an IC structure, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 1E depicts an IC structure, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a method of operating an IC manufacturingsystem, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 3A depicts an IC layout diagram of a cell, in accordance with someembodiments.

FIG. 3B depicts an IC layout diagram of a cell, in accordance with someembodiments.

FIG. 3C depicts an IC structure, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method of operating an IC manufacturingsystem, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 5A depicts an IC layout diagram of two cells, in accordance withsome embodiments.

FIG. 5B depicts an IC structure, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 6A depicts an IC layout diagram of a cell, in accordance with someembodiments.

FIG. 6B depicts an IC structure, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 7 depicts an IC circuit schematic diagram representing an ICmodule.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a method of operating an IC manufacturingsystem, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of IC layout diagram generation system, inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of IC manufacturing system, and an ICmanufacturing flow associated therewith, in accordance with someembodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following disclosure provides many different embodiments, orexamples, for implementing different features of the provided subjectmatter. Specific examples of components and arrangements are describedbelow to simplify the present disclosure. These are, of course, merelyexamples and are not intended to be limiting. For example, the formationof a first feature over or on a second feature in the description thatfollows may include embodiments in which the first and second featuresare formed in direct contact, and may also include embodiments in whichadditional features may be formed between the first and second features,such that the first and second features may not be in direct contact. Inaddition, the present disclosure may repeat reference numerals and/orletters in the various examples. This repetition is for the purpose ofsimplicity and clarity and does not in itself dictate a relationshipbetween the various embodiments and/or configurations discussed.

Further, spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,”“above,” “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease ofdescription to describe one element or feature's relationship to anotherelement(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. The spatiallyrelative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of thedevice in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted inthe figures. The apparatus may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degreesor at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors usedherein may likewise be interpreted accordingly.

Bulk semiconductor technologies, such as bulk complementary metal-oxidesemiconductor (CMOS), require separate n-wells for separate powerdomains. Each n-well has a minimum spacing requirement. Thus, spacingpenalties are incurred in fabricating IC structures having multiplepower domains, such as level shifters. Further, the minimum n-wellspacing does not scale proportionally with lower gate lengths.

In various embodiments, a method, system, and structure correspond to anIC layout diagram of a cell defining nano-sheet structures coupled toseparate, different power domains, wherein the nano-sheet structureseither are not intersecting with an n-well region or are sharing a samen-well region. In some embodiments, a first nano-sheet structurecorresponds to a first power domain and a second nano-sheet structurecorresponds to a second power domain. In some embodiments, a distancebetween the first and second nano-sheet structure is less than a minimumn-well to n-well spacing. In some embodiments, the nano-sheet structuresare coupled to backend metals and backside vias. In some embodiments,the first nano-sheet structure is coupled to a backend metal and thesecond nano-sheet structure is coupled to a backend metal. In someembodiments, backside power is transferred to front side using pickupcells. In some embodiments, the first nano-sheet structure is on a firstdie using the first power domain, the second nano-sheet structure is ona second die using the second power domain, and complimentary signalsare generated on the first die and transferred to the second die. Someembodiments of the present disclosure reduce die area by eliminating then-well spacing overhead, more efficiently deliver power throughback-side rails, reduce leakage between two power supply domains, andreduce the effort for power distribution.

FIG. 1A depicts an IC layout diagram 100A of a cell C1, in accordancewith some embodiments. FIG. 1A is a depiction of non-limiting example ofan IC layout diagram 100A generated by executing one or more operationsof method 200 as discussed below, in some embodiments. IC layout diagram100A is simplified for the purpose of illustration. In variousembodiments, one or more of IC layout diagram 100A includes features inaddition to those depicted in FIG. 1A, e.g., one or more transistorelements, power rails, isolation structures, wells, conductive elements,or the like.

FIG. 1A further depicts an X direction and a Y direction perpendicularto the X direction. The X direction being depicted as horizontal withrespect to the page and the Y direction being depicted as vertical are anon-limiting example for the purpose of illustration. In variousembodiments, the X and Y directions are perpendicular to each other andhave orientations other than those depicted in FIG. 1A. In someembodiments the X direction is a “first direction” and the Y directionis a “second direction.” In other embodiments, the Y direction is the“first direction” and the X direction is the “second direction.”

The cell C1 corresponds to one or more nano-sheet structures (e.g.,devices). The cell C1 includes one or more active regions ARs in a firstlayer of the cell C1 extending in a first direction (e.g., the Xdirection). For example, the cell C1 includes an AR1 extending in thefirst direction and an AR2 separated from AR2 in the second directionand extending in the first direction (collectively, “AR”). The activeregion AR is a region in an IC layout diagram included in amanufacturing process as part of defining an active area OD, in someembodiments, in a semiconductor substrate. An active area is acontinuous section of the semiconductor substrate having either n-typeor p-type doping. In some embodiments, AR1 corresponds to a p-typedevice having p-type doing and AR2 corresponds to an n-type devicehaving n-type-doping.

The cell C1 includes one or more nano-sheet gate regions NSGRs in asecond layer of C1 over the first layer. The NSGRs extend in a seconddirection (e.g., the Y direction) perpendicular to the first directionand overlap the one or more ARs. In some embodiments, the AR is on afirst layer of C1 and the NSGR is on a second layer of C1 over the firstlayer. NSGRs are regions in an IC layout diagram included in amanufacturing process as part of defining a nano-sheet gate NSG, whichare detailed with respect to FIG. 1E.

The NSGRs intersect (e.g., overlap) the ARs, thereby defining, at leastin part, one or more nano-sheet transistors. The cell C1 includesnano-sheet transistor regions NSTR1, NSTR2, and NSTR3 (collectively,“NSTR”). NSTRs are regions in an IC layout diagram included in amanufacturing process as part of defining a nano-sheet transistor. NSTR1and NSTR2 includes NSGRs intersecting portions of AR1. NSTR3 includesNSGRs intersecting AR2. In some embodiments, a dielectric region DR(e.g., the DR with respect to FIG. 5A) is disposed (e.g., locatedplaced) in between NSTR1 and NSTR2. In some embodiments, DR extends inthe X direction. In some embodiments, DR abuts with NSTR1 in the Ydirection, and DR abuts with NSTR2 in the Y direction. In someembodiments, a gate region GR is disposed in between NSTR1 and NSTR2. Insome embodiments, GR extends in the X direction. In some embodiments, GRabuts with NSTR1 in the Y direction, and GR abuts with NSTR2 in the Ydirection. In some embodiments, gate region GR is surrounded orsubstantially surrounded by dielectric region DR, such that DR is inbetween NSTR1 and NSTR2. NSTR1 and NSTR2 are separated by a distance inthe first direction (e.g., separation, spacing) NSTS. In someembodiments, NSTS is less than the minimum n-well to n-well spacing(e.g., based on manufacturing design rules). In some embodiments, BM0Sis less than 5 times at least one of a contacted poly pitch (CPP) and aNSGR pitch. In some embodiments, the NSTRs share a same n-well region.The n-well region is a region in an IC layout diagram included in amanufacturing process as part of defining an n-well.

FIG. 1B depicts an IC layout diagram 100B of a cell C2, in accordancewith some embodiments. The cell C2 corresponds to one or more backendmetals that are coupled to the nano-sheet structures. The cell C2includes a first layer under the first layer of the cell C1. The firstlayer of C2 includes backend metal regions BM0R1, BM0R2, and BM0R3(collectively, “BM0R”). BM0Rs are metal regions in an IC layout diagramincluded in a manufacturing process as part of defining a metalstructure (e.g., metal pattern, metal track, metal rail, etc.). BM0R1corresponds to a metal structure that is coupled to (e.g., connected to,carrying, etc.) a first supply (e.g., power supply, power rail, powersupply signal, etc.) having a first voltage level (e.g., VDD1). BM0R2corresponds to a metal structure that is coupled to a second supplyhaving a second voltage level (e.g., VDD2) different from the firstvoltage level. Thus, the first supply and the second supply areassociated with different power domains. BM0R3 corresponds to a metalstructure that is coupled to a ground (e.g., ground rail, ground signal,etc.). BM0R1 and BM0R2 are separated by a distance (e.g., separation,spacing) BM0S in the first direction. In some embodiments, BM0SR is lessthan the minimum n-well to n-well spacing (e.g., based on manufacturingdesign rules). In some embodiments, BM0S is less than 5 times at leastone of a contacted poly pitch (CPP) and a NSGR pitch. In someembodiments, BM0S is less than, equal to, or greater than NSTS. BM0R3 isseparated from (e.g., offset from each other, adjacent to, etc.) BM0R1and BM0R2 in the second direction.

In some embodiments, at least one of the cells C1 and C2 includes one ormore backside via regions VBRs. In some embodiments, the VBRs are in afirst layer (e.g., VBR layer) in between the first layer of C1 and thefirst layer of C2 (e.g., VBR is not part of the cell C1 or C2). The VBRsare placed (e.g., disposed) in between NSGRs in the first direction,extend in the second direction, and overlap (e.g., intersect) the AR. Avia region, e.g., one of the VBRs depicted in FIG. 1A, is a region in anIC layout diagram included in a manufacturing process as part ofdefining a via structure configured to provide a low resistanceelectrical connection between conductive segments in two or more levelsand/or layers of the manufacturing process.

The cell C1 is placed (e.g., formed) over C2 (e.g., the cell C1 is afirst cell layer over C2, which is the second cell layer). The VBRscorrespond to vias coupling active area AA to backend metals BM0. Forexample, a first VBR corresponds to a first via coupling NSTR1 (e.g., afirst portion of AA) to a first backend metal BM01 corresponding toBM0R1, and a second VBR corresponds to a second via coupling NSTR2(e.g., a second portion of AA) to a second backend metal BM02corresponding to BM0R2.

FIG. 1C depicts an IC structure 100C, in accordance with someembodiments. The IC structure 100C is formed (e.g., defined, generated)based on the IC layout diagram 100A. Thus, AA, NSG, NST1, NST2 areformed based on AR, NSGR, NSTR1, NSTR2, respectively.

FIG. 1D depicts an IC structure 100D, in accordance with someembodiments. The IC structure 100D is formed (e.g., defined, generated)based on the IC layout diagram 100B. Thus, BM01, BM02, and BM03 areformed based on BM0R1, BM0R2, and BM0R3, respectively. In at least oneof the IC structures 100C and 100D, VB is formed based on VBR.

The IC structure 100C is a first layer and the IC structure 100D is asecond layer under the first layer. The terms “first layer” and “secondlayer” (e.g., and “third layer,” “fourth layer,” etc.) areinterchangeable (e.g., the IC structure 100D is a first layer and the ICstructure 100C is a second layer over the first layer.

FIG. 1E depicts an IC structure 100E, in accordance with someembodiments. The IC structure 100E is an x-x′ cross sectional view ofthe IC structures 100C and 100D, with additional details, in accordancewith some embodiments. The structure 100E includes a first layer L1including backend metals BM01 and BM02. BM01 is a metal structure thatis coupled to a first supply having a first voltage level (e.g., VDD1).BM02 is a metal structure that is coupled to a second supply having asecond voltage level (e.g., VDD2) different from the first voltagelevel. BM01 and BM02 are separated by one of the distance equal to theBM0S of FIG. 1B or a second distance equal to the BM0S multiplied by ashrink factor. In some embodiments, the distance between BM01 and BM02is less than a minimum n-well to n-well spacing.

The structure 100E includes a second layer L2 including nano-sheettransistors NST1 and NST2 (collectively, “NST”). NST1 and NST2 areseparated by one of the distance equal to the NSTS of FIG. 1B or asecond distance equal to the NSTS multiplied by a shrink factor. In someembodiments, a dielectric structure DI (e.g., the DI with respect toFIG. 5B) is disposed in between NST1 and NST2. In some embodiments, DIextends in the X direction. In some embodiments, DI abuts with NST1 inthe Z direction, and DI abuts with NST2 in the Z direction. In someembodiments, a gate structure G is disposed in between NST1 and NST2. Insome embodiments, G extends in the X direction. In some embodiments, Gabuts with NST1 in the Y direction, and GR abuts with NST2 in the Ydirection. In some embodiments, G is surrounded or substantiallysurrounded by dielectric structure DI, such that DI is in between NST1and NST2. In some embodiments, the distance between NST1 and NST2 isless than a minimum n-well to n-well spacing.

Each NST includes active area AA. The AA includes source/drain (S/D)structures S and D. An S/D structure (e.g., S) is a semiconductorstructure within the AA and configured to have a doping type opposite tothat of other S/D structures (e.g., D) of the AA. Pairs of S/Dstructures are aligned with each other (e.g., are separated by adistance, offset from each other, adjacent to, etc.) in the firstdirection (e.g., X direction). In some embodiments, an S/D structure isconfigured to have lower resistivity than other portions of the AA,e.g., by including one or more portions having doping concentrationsgreater than one or more doping concentrations otherwise presentthroughout the AA. In various embodiments, S/D structures includeepitaxial regions of a semiconductor material, e.g., silicon (Si), boron(B), phosphorus (P), germanium (Ge), carbon (C), SiGe, and/or SiC. In anIC layout diagram, an S/D structure is defined by an S/D region.

Each NST includes a nano-sheet gate NSG in between each pair of S/Dstructures of opposite types. Each NSG is layered in a third direction(e.g., the Z direction) perpendicular to both the first direction andthe second direction. Each NSG includes alternating layers of gatestructure G and a channel structure CH extending in the first direction.Although not shown in FIG. 1E, each CH is surrounded on four sides by G(e.g., in the second and third directions).

A gate structure G is a volume including one or more conductive segmentsincluding one or more conductive materials, e.g., polysilicon, one ormore metals, and/or one or more other suitable materials, surrounded orsubstantially surrounded by a dielectric structure DI composed of one ormore dielectric materials, e.g., silicon dioxide and/or one or moreother suitable materials, the one or more conductive segments therebybeing configured to control a voltage provided to underlying andadjacent dielectric layers. In various embodiments, a dielectric layerincludes one or more of silicon dioxide and/or a high-k dielectricmaterial, e.g., a dielectric material having a k value higher than 3.8or 7.0. In some embodiments, a high-k dielectric material includesaluminum oxide, hafnium oxide, lanthanum oxide, or another suitablematerial. In an IC layout diagram, a gate structure G is defined by agate region.

A channel structure CH is a volume including epitaxial regions of asemiconductor material, e.g., silicon (Si), boron (B), phosphorus (P),germanium (Ge), carbon (C), SiGe, and/or SiC. In some embodiments, CHhas doping concentrations less than one or more doping concentrationsotherwise present in the S/D structures. In an IC layout diagram, achannel structure CH is defined by an channel region.

The structure 100E includes a third layer L3 including backside vias VBsin between the first layer and the second layer. A first VB couples BM01to NST1 and a second VB couples BM02 to NST2.

The structure 100E includes a fourth layer L4 including frontside viasVDs in over the second layer. As described below with respect to FIGS.3A-3C, VDs couple NSTs to frontside metals MOs.

The structure 100E includes a fifth layer L5 composed of one or moredielectric materials, e.g., silicon dioxide (SiO₂). The fifth layersurrounds (e.g., over, under, and on either side) NSTs of the secondlayer. Portions of the fifth layer are in between the first layer andthe second layer.

In some embodiments, the structure 100E includes a sixth layer L6 belowthe first layer including backend vias BVO. In some embodiments, thestructure 100E includes a seventh layer L7 below the sixth layer,including backend metals BM1. In some embodiments, the structure 100Eincludes an eighth layer L8 including redistribution layer metals RDL.The RDL is coupled to the backend metals using vias. In someembodiments, the structure 100E includes an ninth layer L9 includingbumps. The bumps are coupled to the RDL.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a method 200 of operating an IC manufacturingsystem, in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments,operating the IC manufacturing system includes generating an IC layoutdiagram, e.g., IC layout diagram 100A-100B, 300A-300B, 500A, and 600Adiscussed above with respect to FIGS. 1A-1B, 3A-3B, 5A, and 6Acorresponding to an IC structure manufactured based on the generated IClayout diagram as part of an IC device. Non-limiting examples of ICdevices include memory circuits, logic devices, processing devices,signal processing circuits, or the like.

In some embodiments, some or all of method 200 is executed by aprocessor of a computer. In some embodiments, some or all of method 200is executed by a processor 902 of an IC layout diagram generation system900, discussed below with respect to FIG. 9.

Some or all of the operations of method 200 are capable of beingperformed as part of a design procedure performed in a design house,e.g., a design house 1020 discussed below with respect to FIG. 10.

In some embodiments, the operations of method 200 are performed in theorder depicted in FIG. 2. In some embodiments, the operations of method200 are performed simultaneously and/or in an order other than the orderdepicted in FIG. 2. In some embodiments, one or more operations areperformed before, between, during, and/or after performing one or moreoperations of method 200.

At operation 210, a first metal pattern, such as BM0R1, and a secondmetal pattern, such as BM0R2, are placed in a first layer in an IClayout diagram. The first metal pattern corresponds to a first supply(e.g., power rail) having a first voltage level and the second metalpattern corresponds to a second supply (e.g., power rail) having asecond voltage level different from the first voltage level.

At operation 220, a nano-sheet cell, such as C1, is placed in a secondlayer over the first layer. A first portion of the nano-sheet cell, suchas NSTR1, corresponds to a first nano-sheet device (e.g., structure) anda second portion of the nano-sheet cell, such as NSTR2, corresponds to asecond nano-sheet device. The first portion of the nano-sheet cell isplaced over the first metal pattern. The second portion of thenano-sheet cell is placed over the second metal pattern. A third portionof the nano-sheet cell includes a dielectric region. The third portionof the nano-sheet cell is in between the first portion of the nano-sheetcell and the second portion of the nano-sheet cell. In some embodiments,the third portion includes a gate region. In some embodiments, the gateregion is surrounded or substantially surrounded by the dielectricregion. In some embodiments, a distance, such as NSTS, between the firstportion of the nano-sheet cell and the second portion of the nano-sheetcell is less than a minimum n-well to n-well spacing. In someembodiments, an n-well region is placed in an n-well layer in betweenthe first layer and the nano-sheet cell. In some embodiments, thenano-sheet cell shares the same n-well region.

In some embodiments, a third metal pattern, such as BM0R3 is placed inthe first layer and adjacent to the first metal pattern. The third metalpattern corresponds to a ground rail. The third metal pattern is placedunder a third portion of the nano-sheet cell, such as NSTR3,corresponding to a third nano-sheet device.

In some embodiments, a fourth metal pattern, such as M0R with respect toFIG. 5A, is placed in a third layer over the second layer. The fourthmetal pattern corresponds to a frontend metal structure. In someembodiments, a second nano-sheet cell (e.g., a pickup cell), such as C5with respect to FIG. 5A, is placed in the second layer. The secondnano-sheet cell is placed in between the fourth metal pattern and thesecond metal pattern. The second nano-sheet cell corresponds to a dummynano-sheet device. Thus, in some embodiments, the IC structure definedby the IC layout diagram couples the first supply through the backendmetal (e.g., the second metal pattern), through the dummy nano-sheetdevice, through the frontend metal (e.g., the fourth metal pattern), tothe second portion of the nano-sheet device. In some embodiments, thesecond nano-sheet cell includes an active region, such as AR, in betweenthe fourth metal pattern and the second metal pattern. In someembodiments, the dummy nano-sheet device includes a thru via region,such as VTR, in between the fourth metal pattern and the second metalpattern.

In some embodiments a first via region, such as VBR, is placed in afourth layer between the first layer and the second layer. The first viaregion is between (e.g., intersects, overlaps) the first metal patternand the first portion of the nano-sheet cell. In some embodiments, afifth layer is placed in between the first layer and the second layer,the fifth layer composed of oxide, such as SiO2. In some embodiments,the fifth layer surrounds the nano-sheet cell of the first layer. Insome embodiments, the first and second portions of the nano-sheet celloperate as part of a level shifter circuit, wherein the first portion isin one power domain and the second portion is in a second power domaindifferent from the first power domain.

At operation 230, in some embodiments, the IC layout diagram isgenerated and stored in a storage device. Generating the IC layoutdiagram is performed by a processor, e.g., processor 902 of IC layoutdiagram generation system 900 discussed below with respect to FIG. 9. Insome embodiments, generating the IC layout diagram includes generatingsome or all of IC design layout diagram 1022 discussed below withrespect to FIG. 10.

In various embodiments, storing the IC layout diagram in the storagedevice includes storing the IC layout diagram in a non-volatile,computer-readable memory or a cell library, e.g., a database, and/orincludes storing the IC layout diagram over a network. In variousembodiments, storing the IC layout diagram in the storage deviceincludes storing the IC layout diagram in cell library 920 or overnetwork 914 of IC layout diagram generation system 900, discussed belowwith respect to FIG. 9.

In various embodiments, generating and storing the IC layout diagramincludes generating and storing one or more of IC layout diagrams 200discussed below with respect to FIGS. 1A-1B.

At operation 240, in some embodiments, at least one of one or moresemiconductor masks, or at least one component in a layer of asemiconductor IC is fabricated based on the IC layout diagram.Fabricating one or more semiconductor masks or at least one component ina layer of a semiconductor IC is discussed below with respect to ICmanufacturing system 1000 and FIG. 10.

In various embodiments, fabricating one or more semiconductor masks orat least one component in the layer of the semiconductor IC is based onone or more of IC layout diagrams 200 discussed below with respect toFIGS. 1A-1B.

At operation 250, in some embodiments, one or more manufacturingoperations are performed based on the IC layout diagram. In someembodiments, performing one or more manufacturing operations includesperforming one or more lithographic exposures based on the IC layoutdiagram. Performing one or more manufacturing operations, e.g., one ormore lithographic exposures, based on the IC layout diagram is discussedbelow with respect to FIG. 10.

In various embodiments, performing one or more manufacturing operationsis based on one or more of IC layout diagrams 200 discussed below withrespect to FIGS. 1A-1B.

FIG. 3A depicts an IC layout diagram 300A of a cell C3, in accordancewith some embodiments. FIG. 3A is a depiction of non-limiting example ofan IC layout diagram 300A generated by executing one or more operationsof method 400 as discussed below, in some embodiments.

The IC layout diagram 300A of the cell C3 is similar to the IC layoutdiagram 100A of the cell C1. The cell C3 includes the first and secondlayers of C1. In some embodiments, the cell C3 includes a third layerover the second layer (e.g., the layer of NSGRs) including frontside viaregions VDRs. The VDRs are placed in between NSGRs in the firstdirection, extend in the second direction, and overlap the AR. In someembodiments, VDR is a layer over the layers of cell C3 (e.g., VDR is notpart of the cell C3). The frontside via region VDR defines a viastructure similar to that described with respect to FIGS. 1A-1B.

In some embodiments, the cell C3 includes a fourth layer over the thirdlayer. The fourth layer includes a metal region M0R corresponding to ametal structure that is coupled to the first supply having a firstvoltage level. In some embodiments, M0R is a layer over the layers ofcell C3 (e.g., M0R is not part of the cell C3). The metal region MOdefines a metal structure similar to that described with respect toFIGS. 1A-1B.

FIG. 3B depicts an IC layout diagram 300B of a cell C4, in accordancewith some embodiments. FIG. 3B is a depiction of non-limiting example ofan IC layout diagram 300B generated by executing one or more operationsof method 400 as discussed below, in some embodiments. The cell C3 isplaced (e.g., formed) over C4 (e.g., the cell C3 is a first cell layerover C4, which is the second cell layer). A VBR layer is included inbetween C3 and C4, similar to the VBR layer with respect to FIGS. 1A-1B.

The IC layout diagram 300B of the cell C4 is similar to the IC layoutdiagram 100A of the cell C2. The cell C4 includes a layer (e.g., thethird layer) including backend metal regions BM0R3 and BM0R4(collectively, “BM0R”). BM0R3 and BM0R4 are similar to BM0R1, BM0R2, andBM0R3 of C2. BM0R4 corresponds to a metal structure that is coupled tothe second supply having a second voltage level (e.g., VDD2). BM0R4extends in the first direction. In some embodiments, a length in thesecond direction of BM0R4 is equal to a length of BM0R1+BM0S+BM0R2 withrespect to FIG. 1B.

FIG. 3C depicts an IC structure 300C, in accordance with someembodiments. The IC structure 300C is an x-x′ cross sectional view of ICstructures defined by the IC layout diagrams 300A and 300B, withadditional details, in accordance with some embodiments. The ICstructure 300C is similar to the IC structure 100E with respect to FIG.1E. The IC structure 300C includes a first layer including backend metalstructure BM04 that is coupled to a second supply having a secondvoltage level (e.g., VDD2) different from the first voltage level. TheIC structure 300C includes the second-to-ninth layers of FIG. 1E. The ICstructure 300C includes a tenth layer over the fourth layer (the VDlayer). The tenth layer includes a metal structure MO corresponding to ametal structure that is coupled to the first supply having a firstvoltage level (e.g., VDD1) different from the second voltage level.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method 400 of operating an IC manufacturingsystem, in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments,operating the IC manufacturing system includes generating an IC layoutdiagram, e.g., IC layout diagram 100A-100B, 300A-300B, 500A, and 600Adiscussed above with respect to FIGS. 1A-1B, 3A-3B, 5A, and 6Acorresponding to an IC structure manufactured based on the generated IClayout diagram as part of an IC device. Non-limiting examples of ICdevices include memory circuits, logic devices, processing devices,signal processing circuits, or the like.

In some embodiments, some or all of method 400 is executed by aprocessor of a computer. In some embodiments, some or all of method 400is executed by a processor 902 of an IC layout diagram generation system900, discussed below with respect to FIG. 9.

Some or all of the operations of method 400 are capable of beingperformed as part of a design procedure performed in a design house,e.g., a design house 1020 discussed below with respect to FIG. 10.

In some embodiments, the operations of method 400 are performed in theorder depicted in FIG. 4. In some embodiments, the operations of method400 are performed simultaneously and/or in an order other than the orderdepicted in FIG. 4. In some embodiments, one or more operations (e.g.,operations of method 200) are performed before, between, during, and/orafter performing one or more operations of method 400.

At operation 410, a first metal pattern, such as BM0R4, is placed in afirst layer in an IC layout diagram. The first metal pattern correspondsto a first power rail having a first voltage level.

At operation 420, a nano-sheet cell, such as C1 or C3, is placed in asecond layer over the first layer. A first portion of the nano-sheetcell, such as NSTR2, corresponds to a first nano-sheet device and asecond portion of the nano-sheet cell, such as NSTR1, corresponds to asecond nano-sheet device. The first portion of the nano-sheet cell isplaced over the first metal pattern. A third portion of the nano-sheetcell includes a dielectric region. The third portion of the nano-sheetcell is in between the first portion of the nano-sheet cell and thesecond portion of the nano-sheet cell.

At operation 430, a second metal pattern, such as M0R, is placed in athird layer over the first layer. The second metal pattern is placedover the second portion of the nano-sheet cell. The second metal patterncorresponds to a second power rail having a second voltage leveldifferent from the first voltage level. In some embodiments, a distance,such as NSTS, between the first portion of the nano-sheet cell and thesecond portion of the nano-sheet cell is less than a minimum n-well ton-well spacing.

In some embodiments, a third metal pattern, such as BM0R5 with respectto FIG. 5B, is placed in the first layer and adjacent to the first metalpattern. The third metal pattern corresponds to the second power rail.In some embodiments, a second nano-sheet cell, such as C5 with respectto FIGS. 5A-5B, is placed in the second layer. In some embodiments, thesecond nano-sheet cell is placed in between the third metal pattern andthe second metal pattern. The second nano-sheet cell corresponds to adummy nano-sheet device.

In some embodiments a first via region, such as VBR, is placed in afourth layer between the first layer and the second layer. The first viaregion is between the first metal pattern and the first portion of thenano-sheet cell. In some embodiments, a second via region, such as VDR,is placed in a fifth layer between the second layer and the third layer,the second via region between the second metal pattern and the secondportion of the nano-sheet cell.

FIG. 5A depicts an IC layout diagram 500A of two cells C3 and C5, inaccordance with some embodiments. FIG. 5A is a depiction of non-limitingexample of an IC layout diagram 500A generated by executing one or moreoperations of methods 200 or 400 as discussed below, in someembodiments.

The IC layout diagram 500A of the cell C3 is similar to the IC layoutdiagram 300A of the cell C3. The cells C3 and C5 are separated by adistance in the first direction. A layer of M0R extends in the firstdirection and overlaps both of the cells C3 and C5. The IC layoutdiagram 500A of the cell C5 is similar to the IC layout diagram 300A ofthe cell C3. M0R is placed over VDRs of C5, which are placed over AR ofC5, which are placed above VBRs of C5. Thus, at least a portion of thecell C5 (e.g., the portion including the VDRs over the VBRs) defines adummy nano-sheet transistor structure used to couple a supply frombackend metals to the front end metals and other nano-sheet transistorcells.

FIG. 5B depicts an IC structure 500B, in accordance with someembodiments. The IC structure 500B is an x-x′ cross sectional view of ICstructures defined by the IC layout diagram 500A, with additionaldetails, in accordance with some embodiments. The IC structure 500B issimilar to the IC structure 300C with respect to FIG. 3C. The firstlayer of the IC structure 500B includes backend metal structures BM04and BM05. BM04 is coupled to a supply having a first voltage and BM05 iscoupled to a supply having a second voltage different from the firstvoltage. The second layer over the first layer includes structures S3and S5. S3 is defined by the cell C3 and S5 is defined by the cell C5.S3 includes one or more NSTs coupled to BM04. S5 includes one or moredummy NSTs coupled to BM05. The tenth layer over the second layerincludes MO coupled to the one or more NSTs of S3 and the one or moredummy NSTs of S5. Thus, both of the first and second supplies arecoupled through backend metals to the one or more NSTs of S3.

FIG. 6A depicts an IC layout diagram 600A of a cell C6, in accordancewith some embodiments. FIG. 6A is a depiction of non-limiting example ofan IC layout diagram 600A generated by executing one or more operationsof methods 200 or 400 as discussed below, in some embodiments.

The IC layout diagram 600A of the cell C6 is similar to the IC layoutdiagram 500A of the cell C5. The cell C6 includes a first AA portionAR(1) extending in the first direction, and a second AA portion AR(2)separated from AR(1) by a distance in the first direction and extendingin the first direction. The VBRs and VDRs are placed in between AR(1)and AR(2) in the first direction. MO is placed over the VDRs.

FIG. 6B depicts an IC structure 600B, in accordance with someembodiments. The IC structure 600B is an x-x′ cross sectional view of ICstructures defined by the IC layout diagram 600A, with additionaldetails, in accordance with some embodiments. The IC structure 600B issimilar to the IC structure S5 (e.g., the one or more dummy NSTs) withrespect to FIG. 5B. The IC structure 600B includes a layer of thru viasVTs. The AA does not intersect with the VTs. In some embodiments, AA ison either side of the VTs, in the first direction. The layer of VTs areover a layer of VBs of IC structure 600B and under a layer of VDs of ICstructure 600B. One or more of the VTs couples one or more of the VBs toone or more of the VDs. Thus, a backend metal BM05 of IC structure 600Bis coupled to VB, which is coupled to VT, which is coupled to VD, whichis coupled to an MO of IC structure 600B. VT is defined by a VT region(VTR) in an IC layout.

FIG. 7 depicts an IC circuit schematic diagram 700 representing an ICmodule. The IC circuit schematic diagram 700 includes a representationof a first die (DieA) including a representation of first nano-sheetdevices (DevicesA) coupled to a first power supply having a firstvoltage level (e.g., VDDA). The first nano-sheet devices generatecomplementary signals, S and S_B. In some embodiments, therepresentation of first nano-sheet devices include inverters. In someembodiments, the first nano-sheet devices or operate as a first part ofa level shifter circuit (e.g., inverters or cascaded inverters). The ICcircuit schematic diagram 700 includes including a representation of asecond die (DieB) including a representation of second nano-sheetdevices (DevicesB) coupled to a second power supply having a secondvoltage level (e.g., VDDB) different from the first voltage level. Thesecond nano-sheet devices receive the complementary signals. In someembodiments, second nano-sheet devices operate as a second part of alevel shifter circuit.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a method 800 of operating an IC manufacturingsystem, in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments,operating the IC manufacturing system includes generating an IC layoutdiagram, e.g., IC layout diagram 100A-100B, 300A-300B, 500A, and 600Adiscussed above with respect to FIGS. 1A-1B, 3A-3B, 5A, and 6A, orgenerating an IC layout diagram based on an IC circuit schematic diagramsuch as the IC circuit schematic diagram 700, corresponding to an ICstructure manufactured based on the generated IC layout diagram as partof an IC device. Non-limiting examples of IC devices include memorycircuits, logic devices, processing devices, signal processing circuits,or the like.

In some embodiments, some or all of method 800 is executed by aprocessor of a computer. In some embodiments, some or all of method 800is executed by a processor 902 of an IC layout diagram generation system900, discussed below with respect to FIG. 9.

Some or all of the operations of method 800 are capable of beingperformed as part of a design procedure performed in a design house,e.g., a design house 1020 discussed below with respect to FIG. 10.

In some embodiments, the operations of method 800 are performed in theorder depicted in FIG. 8. In some embodiments, the operations of method800 are performed simultaneously and/or in an order other than the orderdepicted in FIG. 8. In some embodiments, one or more operations (e.g.,operations of method 200 or 400) are performed before, between, during,and/or after performing one or more operations of method 400.

At operation 810, a first die is formed including first nano-sheetdevices coupled to a first power supply having a first voltage level,the first nano-sheet devices generating complementary signals. In someembodiments, the first nano-sheet devices operate as part of inverters.

At operation 820, a second die is formed including second an secondnano-sheet devices coupled to a second power supply having a secondvoltage level different from the first voltage level, the secondnano-sheet devices receiving the complementary signals. In someembodiments, the second nano-sheet devices operate as part of a levelshifter circuit. In some embodiments, at least one of the first andsecond nano-sheet devices receive their first and second power supplysignals through back-end metals. In some embodiments, at least one ofthe first and second nano-sheet devices receive their first and secondpower supply signals through front-end metals.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of IC layout diagram generation system 900, inaccordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, IC layout diagramgeneration system 900 includes an electronic design automation (EDA). Insome embodiments, IC layout diagram generation system 900 includes or ispart of an APR system. Methods described herein of designing IC layoutdiagrams representing fin arrangements, in accordance with one or moreembodiments, are implementable, for example, IC layout diagramgeneration system 900, in accordance with some embodiments.

In some embodiments, IC layout diagram generation system 900 is ageneral purpose computing device including processor 902 and anon-transitory, computer-readable storage medium 904. Computer-readablestorage medium 904, amongst other things, is encoded with, i.e., stores,computer program code 906, i.e., a set of executable instructions.Execution of instructions 906 by processor 902 represents (at least inpart) an IC layout diagram generation tool which implements a portion orall of, e.g., method 200 discussed above with respect to FIG. 2, method400 discussed above with respect to FIG. 4, and/or method 800 discussedabove with respect to FIG. 8 (hereinafter, the noted processes and/ormethods).

Processor 902 is electrically coupled to computer-readable storagemedium 904 via a bus 908. Processor 902 is also electrically coupled toan I/O interface 910 by bus 908. A network interface 912 is alsoelectrically connected to processor 902 via bus 908. Network interface912 is connected to a network 914, so that processor 902 andcomputer-readable storage medium 904 are capable of connecting toexternal elements via network 914. Processor 902 is configured toexecute computer program code 906 encoded in computer-readable storagemedium 904 in order to cause IC layout diagram generation system 900 tobe usable for performing a portion or all of the noted processes and/ormethods. In one or more embodiments, processor 902 is a centralprocessing unit (CPU), a multi-processor, a distributed processingsystem, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and/or asuitable processing unit.

In one or more embodiments, computer-readable storage medium 904 is anelectronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, and/or asemiconductor system (or apparatus or device). For example,computer-readable storage medium 904 includes a semiconductor orsolid-state memory, a magnetic tape, a removable computer diskette, arandom access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a rigid magneticdisk, and/or an optical disk. In one or more embodiments using opticaldisks, computer-readable storage medium 904 includes a compact disk-readonly memory (CD-ROM), a compact disk-read/write (CD-R/W), and/or adigital video disc (DVD).

In one or more embodiments, computer-readable storage medium 904 storescomputer program code 906 configured to cause IC layout diagramgeneration system 900 (where such execution represents (at least inpart) the IC layout diagram generation tool) to be usable for performinga portion or all of the noted processes and/or methods. In one or moreembodiments, computer-readable storage medium 904 also storesinformation which facilitates performing a portion or all of the notedprocesses and/or methods. In one or more embodiments, computer-readablestorage medium 904 stores library 920 of standard cells including IClayout diagrams as disclosed herein, e.g., one or more of IC layoutdiagram 100A-100B, 300A-300B, 500A, and 600A discussed above withrespect to FIGS. 1A-1B, 3A-3B, 5A, and 6A.

IC layout diagram generation system 900 includes I/O interface 910. I/Ointerface 910 is coupled to external circuitry. In one or moreembodiments, I/O interface 910 includes a keyboard, keypad, mouse,trackball, trackpad, touchscreen, and/or cursor direction keys forcommunicating information and commands to processor 902.

IC layout diagram generation system 900 also includes network interface912 coupled to processor 902. Network interface 912 allows IC layoutdiagram generation system 900 to communicate with network 914, to whichone or more other computer systems are connected. Network interface 912includes wireless network interfaces such as BLUETOOTH, WIFI, WIMAX,GPRS, or WCDMA; or wired network interfaces such as ETHERNET, USB, orIEEE-1364. In one or more embodiments, a portion or all of notedprocesses and/or methods, is implemented in two or more IC layoutdiagram generation systems 900.

IC layout diagram generation system 900 is configured to receiveinformation through I/O interface 910. The information received throughI/O interface 910 includes one or more of instructions, data, designrules, libraries of standard cells, and/or other parameters forprocessing by processor 902. The information is transferred to processor902 via bus 908. IC layout diagram generation system 900 is configuredto receive information related to a user interface (UI) through I/Ointerface 910.

In some embodiments, the system 900 may also be associated with variousfabrication tools 922. Among other things, the fabrication tools 922 maybe used to prepare and fabricate a set of masks based on the standardcell layout created by a standard cell layout application. The set ofmasks may define the geometry for the photolithography steps used duringsemiconductor fabrication of the circuit.

To prepare a set of masks, the fabrication tools 922 may be used totranslate the standard cell layout of the circuit into a representativedata file (“RDF”). The RDF may then be used to fabricate a set ofphysical masks to fabricate the circuit.

In some embodiments, preparing the set of masks may include performingan optical proximity correction (OPC) using lithography enhancementtechniques to compensate for image errors, such as those that can arisefrom diffraction, interference, other process effects and the like, inthe standard cell layout. In some embodiments, a mask rule checker (MRC)of the fabrication tools 922 may check the standard cell layout that hasundergone processes in OPC with a set of mask creation rules. The maskcreation rules may contain certain geometric and/or connectivityrestrictions to ensure sufficient margins, to account for variability insemiconductor manufacturing processes, and the like. In someembodiments, the MRC may modify the standard cell layout to compensatefor limitations during the fabrication of the set of masks. In someembodiments, preparing the set of masks may also include resolutionenhancement techniques (RET), such as off-axis illumination,sub-resolution assist features, phase-shifting masks, other suitabletechniques, and the like or combinations thereof.

The preparation of the set of masks may further include, in someembodiments, lithography process checking (LPC) that may simulateprocesses implemented to fabricate the circuit. LPC may simulate theseprocesses based on the standard cell layout to create a simulatedmanufactured device of the circuit. LPC may take into account variousfactors, such as aerial image contrast, depth of focus (“DOF”), maskerror enhancement factor (“MEEF”), other suitable factors, and the likeor combinations thereof, to simulate the fabrication of the circuit. Insome embodiments, after a simulated manufactured device has been createdby LPC, if the simulated device does not satisfy certain design rules,OPC and/or MRC may be repeated to further refine the standard celllayout.

To fabricate the set of masks, a mask writer may convert the RDF to animage on a substrate, such as a mask (reticle) or a semiconductor wafer.In some embodiments, an electron-beam (e-beam) or a mechanism ofmultiple e-beams may be used to form a mask pattern on a semiconductorwafer to form the mask. In some embodiments, the mask pattern mayinclude one or more opaque regions and one or more transparent regions.A radiation beam, such as an ultraviolet (UV) beam, used to expose theimage sensitive material layer (e.g., photoresist) which has been coatedon the semiconductor wafer, may be blocked by the opaque regions andtransmits through the transparent regions. In one example, the maskpattern may include a transparent substrate (e.g., fused quartz) and anopaque material (e.g., chromium) coated in the opaque regions to formthe mask. In other embodiments, other or additional techniques may beused to fabricate the masks.

Once the masks are fabricated, a fabrication entity (e.g., amanufacturing facility or semiconductor foundry) may use the fabricatedmasks to fabricate the circuit. In some embodiments, fabricating thecircuit may involve depositing one or material in/on a semiconductorwafer using the mask (or masks). The semiconductor wafer may include asilicon substrate or other substrate having material layers formedthereon. The semiconductor wafer may further include one or more ofvarious doped regions, dielectric features, multilevel interconnects,and the like formed using one or more of the masks.

In some embodiments, a portion or all of the noted processes and/ormethods is implemented as a standalone software application forexecution by a processor. In some embodiments, a portion or all of thenoted processes and/or methods is implemented as a software applicationthat is a part of an additional software application. In someembodiments, a portion or all of the noted processes and/or methods isimplemented as a plug-in to a software application. In some embodiments,at least one of the noted processes and/or methods is implemented as asoftware application that is a portion of an EDA tool. In someembodiments, a portion or all of the noted processes and/or methods isimplemented as a software application that is used by IC layout diagramgeneration system 900. In some embodiments, a layout diagram whichincludes standard cells is generated using a tool such as VIRTUOSO®available from CADENCE DESIGN SYSTEMS, Inc., or another suitable layoutgenerating tool.

In some embodiments, the processes are realized as functions of aprogram stored in a non-transitory computer readable recording medium.Examples of a non-transitory computer readable recording medium include,but are not limited to, external/removable and/or internal/built-instorage or memory unit, e.g., one or more of an optical disk, such as aDVD, a magnetic disk, such as a hard disk, a semiconductor memory, suchas a ROM, a RAM, a memory card, and the like.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of IC manufacturing system 1000, and an ICmanufacturing flow associated therewith, in accordance with someembodiments. In some embodiments, based on a layout diagram, at leastone of (A) one or more semiconductor masks or (B) at least one componentin a layer of a semiconductor integrated circuit is fabricated usingmanufacturing system 1000.

In FIG. 10, IC manufacturing system 1000 includes entities, such as adesign house 1020, a mask house 1030, and an IC manufacturer/fabricator(“fab”) 1050, that interact with one another in the design, development,and manufacturing cycles and/or services related to manufacturing an ICdevice 1060. The entities in system 1000 are connected by acommunications network. In some embodiments, the communications networkis a single network. In some embodiments, the communications network isa variety of different networks, such as an intranet and the Internet.The communications network includes wired and/or wireless communicationchannels. Each entity interacts with one or more of the other entitiesand provides services to and/or receives services from one or more ofthe other entities. In some embodiments, two or more of design house1020, mask house 1030, and IC fab 1050 is owned by a single largercompany. In some embodiments, two or more of design house 1020, maskhouse 1030, and IC fab 1050 coexist in a common facility and use commonresources.

Design house (or design team) 1020 generates an IC design layout diagram1022. IC design layout diagram 1022 includes various geometricalpatterns, e.g., one or more of IC layout diagram 100A-100B, 300A-300B,500A, and 600A discussed above with respect to FIGS. 1A-1B, 3A-3B, 5A,and 6A, designed for an IC device 1060, e.g., an IC device including ICstructure 100C-100E, 300C, and 500B, discussed above with respect toFIGS. 1C-1E, 3E, and 5B. The geometrical patterns correspond to patternsof metal, oxide, or semiconductor layers that make up the variouscomponents of IC device 1060 to be fabricated. The various layerscombine to form various IC features. For example, a portion of IC designlayout diagram 1022 includes various IC features, such as an activeregion, gate electrode, source and drain, metal lines or vias of aninterlayer interconnection, and openings for bonding pads, to be formedin a semiconductor substrate (such as a silicon wafer) and variousmaterial layers disposed on the semiconductor substrate. Design house1020 implements a proper design procedure to form IC design layoutdiagram 1022. The design procedure includes one or more of logic design,physical design, or place and route. IC design layout diagram 1022 ispresented in one or more data files having information of thegeometrical patterns. For example, IC design layout diagram 1022 can beexpressed in a GDSII file format or DFII file format.

Mask house 1030 includes data preparation 1032 and mask fabrication1044. Mask house 1030 uses IC design layout diagram 1022 to manufactureone or more masks 1045 to be used for fabricating the various layers ofIC device 1060 according to IC design layout diagram 1022. Mask house1030 performs mask data preparation 1032, where IC design layout diagram1022 is translated into a representative data file (“RDF”). Mask datapreparation 1032 provides the RDF to mask fabrication 1044. Maskfabrication 1044 includes a mask writer. A mask writer converts the RDFto an image on a substrate, such as a mask (reticle) 1045 or asemiconductor wafer 1053. The design layout diagram 1022 is manipulatedby mask data preparation 1032 to comply with particular characteristicsof the mask writer and/or requirements of IC fab 1050. In FIG. 10, maskdata preparation 1032 and mask fabrication 1044 are illustrated asseparate elements. In some embodiments, mask data preparation 1032 andmask fabrication 1044 can be collectively referred to as mask datapreparation.

In some embodiments, mask data preparation 1032 includes opticalproximity correction (OPC) which uses lithography enhancement techniquesto compensate for image errors, such as those that can arise fromdiffraction, interference, other process effects and the like. OPCadjusts IC design layout diagram 1022. In some embodiments, mask datapreparation 1032 includes further resolution enhancement techniques(RET), such as off-axis illumination, sub-resolution assist features,phase-shifting masks, other suitable techniques, and the like orcombinations thereof. In some embodiments, inverse lithographytechnology (ILT) is also used, which treats OPC as an inverse imagingproblem.

In some embodiments, mask data preparation 1032 includes a mask rulechecker (MRC) that checks the IC design layout diagram 1022 that hasundergone processes in OPC with a set of mask creation rules whichcontain certain geometric and/or connectivity restrictions to ensuresufficient margins, to account for variability in semiconductormanufacturing processes, and the like. In some embodiments, the MRCmodifies the IC design layout diagram 1022 to compensate for limitationsduring mask fabrication 1044, which may undo part of the modificationsperformed by OPC in order to meet mask creation rules.

In some embodiments, mask data preparation 1032 includes lithographyprocess checking (LPC) that simulates processing that will beimplemented by IC fab 1050 to fabricate IC device 1060. LPC simulatesthis processing based on IC design layout diagram 1022 to create asimulated manufactured device, such as IC device 1060. The processingparameters in LPC simulation can include parameters associated withvarious processes of the IC manufacturing cycle, parameters associatedwith tools used for manufacturing the IC, and/or other aspects of themanufacturing process. LPC takes into account various factors, such asaerial image contrast, depth of focus (“DOF”), mask error enhancementfactor (“MEEF”), other suitable factors, and the like or combinationsthereof. In some embodiments, after a simulated manufactured device hasbeen created by LPC, if the simulated device is not close enough inshape to satisfy design rules, OPC and/or MRC are be repeated to furtherrefine IC design layout diagram 1022.

It should be understood that the above description of mask datapreparation 1032 has been simplified for the purposes of clarity. Insome embodiments, data preparation 1032 includes additional featuressuch as a logic operation (LOP) to modify the IC design layout diagram1022 according to manufacturing rules. Additionally, the processesapplied to IC design layout diagram 1022 during data preparation 1032may be executed in a variety of different orders.

After mask data preparation 1032 and during mask fabrication 1044, amask 1045 or a group of masks 1045 are fabricated based on the modifiedIC design layout diagram 1022. In some embodiments, mask fabrication1044 includes performing one or more lithographic exposures based on ICdesign layout diagram 1022. In some embodiments, an electron-beam(e-beam) or a mechanism of multiple e-beams is used to form a pattern ona mask (photomask or reticle) 1045 based on the modified IC designlayout diagram 1022. Mask 1045 can be formed in various technologies. Insome embodiments, mask 1045 is formed using binary technology. In someembodiments, a mask pattern includes opaque regions and transparentregions. A radiation beam, such as an ultraviolet (UV) beam, used toexpose the image sensitive material layer (e.g., photoresist) which hasbeen coated on a wafer, is blocked by the opaque region and transmitsthrough the transparent regions. In one example, a binary mask versionof mask 1045 includes a transparent substrate (e.g., fused quartz) andan opaque material (e.g., chromium) coated in the opaque regions of thebinary mask. In another example, mask 1045 is formed using a phase shifttechnology. In a phase shift mask (PSM) version of mask 1045, variousfeatures in the pattern formed on the phase shift mask are configured tohave proper phase difference to enhance the resolution and imagingquality. In various examples, the phase shift mask can be attenuated PSMor alternating PSM. The mask(s) generated by mask fabrication 1044 isused in a variety of processes. For example, such a mask(s) is used inan ion implantation process to form various doped regions insemiconductor wafer 1053, in an etching process to form various etchingregions in semiconductor wafer 1053, and/or in other suitable processes.

IC fab 1050 includes wafer fabrication 1052. IC fab 1050 is an ICfabrication business that includes one or more manufacturing facilitiesfor the fabrication of a variety of different IC products. In someembodiments, IC Fab 1050 is a semiconductor foundry. For example, theremay be a manufacturing facility for the front end fabrication of aplurality of IC products (front-end-of-line (FEOL) fabrication), while asecond manufacturing facility may provide the back end fabrication forthe interconnection and packaging of the IC products (back-end-of-line(BEOL) fabrication), and a third manufacturing facility may provideother services for the foundry business.

IC fab 1050 uses mask(s) 1045 fabricated by mask house 1030 to fabricateIC device 1060. Thus, IC fab 1050 at least indirectly uses IC designlayout diagram 1022 to fabricate IC device 1060. In some embodiments,semiconductor wafer 1053 is fabricated by IC fab 1050 using mask(s) 1045to form IC device 1060. In some embodiments, the IC fabrication includesperforming one or more lithographic exposures based at least indirectlyon IC design layout diagram 1022. Semiconductor wafer 1053 includes asilicon substrate or other proper substrate having material layersformed thereon. Semiconductor wafer 1053 further includes one or more ofvarious doped regions, dielectric features, multilevel interconnects,and the like (formed at subsequent manufacturing steps).

Details regarding an integrated circuit (IC) manufacturing system (e.g.,system 1000 of FIG. 10), and an IC manufacturing flow associatedtherewith are found, e.g., in U.S. Pat. No. 9,256,709, granted Feb. 9,2016, U.S. Pre-Grant Publication No. 20150278429, published Oct. 1,2015, U.S. Pre-Grant Publication No. 20140040838, published Feb. 6,2014, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,260,442, granted Aug. 21, 2007, the entiretiesof each of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

One aspect of this description relates to an integrated circuit (IC)structure including a first layer and a second layer. The first layerincludes a first metal structure coupled to a first power supply havinga first voltage level and a second metal structure coupled to a secondpower supply having a second voltage level different from the firstvoltage level. The second layer is formed over the first layer. Thesecond layer includes a first nano-sheet device coupled to the firstmetal structure and a second nano-sheet device adjacent to the firstnano-sheet device. The second nano-sheet device is coupled to the secondmetal structure. A distance between the first nano-sheet device and thesecond nano-sheet device is less than a minimum n-well to n-wellspacing. In some embodiments, the first layer includes a third metalstructure coupled to a ground. In some embodiments, the second layerincludes a third nano-sheet device coupled to the third metal structure.In some embodiments, the second layer includes a dummy nano-sheet devicecoupled to the second metal structure. In some embodiments, the ICstructure includes a fourth layer over the second layer. In someembodiments, the fourth layer includes a fourth metal structureextending over each of the second nano-sheet device and the dummynano-sheet device. In some embodiments, the second nano-sheet device iscoupled to the second metal structure via the dummy nano-sheet deviceand the fourth metal structure. In some embodiments, the dummynano-sheet device includes an active area coupling the second metalstructure to the fourth metal structure. In some embodiments, the dummynano-sheet device includes a thru via coupling the fourth metalstructure to the third metal structure. In some embodiments, the ICstructure includes a fifth layer in between the first layer and thesecond layer. In some embodiments, the fifth layer includes a first viacoupling the first metal structure to the first nano-sheet device and asecond via coupling the second metal structure to the second nano-sheetdevice. In some embodiments, the IC structure includes a sixth layer inbetween the first layer and the second layer. In some embodiments, thesixth is composed of oxide. In some embodiments, the first and secondnano-sheet devices operate as part of a level shifter circuit. In someembodiments, the distance is less than 5 poly pitches.

Another aspect of this description relates to a method for operating anintegrated circuit (IC) manufacturing system. The method includesplacing a first metal pattern in a first layer. The first metal patterncorresponds to a first power rail having a first voltage level. Themethod includes placing a nano-sheet cell in a second layer over thefirst layer. A first portion of the nano-sheet cell corresponds to afirst nano-sheet device and a second portion of the nano-sheet cellcorresponds to a second nano-sheet device. The first portion of thenano-sheet cell is placed over the first metal pattern. The methodincludes placing a second metal pattern in a third layer over the firstlayer. The second metal pattern is placed over the second portion of thenano-sheet cell. The second metal pattern corresponds to a second powerrail having a second voltage level different from the first voltagelevel. A distance between the first portion of the nano-sheet cell andthe second portion of the nano-sheet cell is less than a minimum n-wellto n-well spacing. In some embodiments, the method includes placing athird metal pattern in the first layer and adjacent to the first metalpattern. In some embodiments, the third metal pattern corresponds to aground rail. In some embodiments, the third metal pattern is placedunder a third portion of the nano-sheet cell corresponding to a thirdnano-sheet device. In some embodiments, the method includes placing afourth metal pattern in the first layer and adjacent to the first metalpattern. In some embodiments, the fourth metal pattern corresponds tothe second power rail. In some embodiments, the method includes placinga second nano-sheet cell in the second layer. In some embodiments, thesecond nano-sheet cell is placed in between the fourth metal pattern andthe second metal pattern. In some embodiments, the second nano-sheetcell corresponds to a dummy nano-sheet device. In some embodiments, thesecond nano-sheet cell includes an active region in between the fourthmetal pattern and the second metal pattern. In some embodiments, thedummy nano-sheet device includes a thru via region in between the fourthmetal pattern and the second metal pattern. In some embodiments, themethod includes placing a first via region in a fourth layer between thefirst layer and the second layer. In some embodiments, the first viaregion is between the first metal pattern and the first portion of thenano-sheet cell. In some embodiments, the method includes placing asecond via region in a fifth layer between the second layer and thethird layer. The second via region is between the second metal patternand the second portion of the nano-sheet cell.

Another aspect of this description relates to an integrated circuit (IC)module including a first die including first nano-sheet devices coupledto a first power supply having a first voltage level. The firstnano-sheet devices generate complementary signals. The IC moduleincludes a second die including second nano-sheet devices coupled to asecond power supply having a second voltage level different from thefirst voltage level. The second nano-sheet devices receive thecomplementary signals. In some embodiments, the second nano-sheetdevices operate as part of a level shifter circuit. In some embodiments,the first nano-sheet devices operate as part of inverters. In someembodiments, the first and second nano-sheet devices receive their firstand second power supply signals through back-end metals. In someembodiments, the first and second nano-sheet devices receive their firstand second power supply signals through front-end metals.

The foregoing outlines features of several embodiments so that thoseskilled in the art may better understand the aspects of the presentdisclosure. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they mayreadily use the present disclosure as a basis for designing or modifyingother processes and structures for carrying out the same purposes and/orachieving the same advantages of the embodiments introduced herein.Those skilled in the art should also realize that such equivalentconstructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the presentdisclosure, and that they may make various changes, substitutions, andalterations herein without departing from the spirit and scope of thepresent disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. An integrated circuit (IC) structure comprising:a first layer comprising: a first metal structure coupled to a firstpower supply having a first voltage level; a second metal structurecoupled to a second power supply having a second voltage level differentfrom the first voltage level; and a dielectric structure in between thefirst metal structure and the second metal structure; and a second layerformed over the first layer, the second layer comprising: a firstnano-sheet device, the first nano-sheet device coupled to the firstmetal structure; and a second nano-sheet device adjacent to the firstnano-sheet device, the second nano-sheet device coupled to the secondmetal structure.
 2. The IC structure of claim 1, the first layer furthercomprising a third metal structure coupled to a ground, the second layerfurther comprising a third nano-sheet device coupled to the third metalstructure.
 3. The IC structure of claim 1, the second layer furthercomprising a dummy nano-sheet device coupled to the second metalstructure, the IC structure further comprising a third layer over thesecond layer, the third layer comprising a third metal structureextending over each of the second nano-sheet device and the dummynano-sheet device, wherein the second nano-sheet device is coupled tothe second metal structure via the dummy nano-sheet device and the thirdmetal structure.
 4. The IC structure of claim 3, the dummy nano-sheetdevice comprising an active area coupling the second metal structure tothe third metal structure.
 5. The IC structure of claim 3, the dummynano-sheet device comprising a thru via coupling the second metalstructure to the third metal structure.
 6. The IC structure of claim 1,the IC structure further comprising a third layer in between the firstlayer and the second layer, the third layer comprising: a first viacoupling the first metal structure to the first nano-sheet device; and asecond via coupling the second metal structure to the second nano-sheetdevice.
 7. The IC structure of claim 1, further comprising an thirdlayer in between the first layer and the second layer, the third layercomposed of dielectric material.
 8. The IC structure of claim 1, whereinthe first and second nano-sheet devices are configured to operate aspart of a level shifter circuit.
 9. The IC structure of claim 1, whereina distance between the first portion of the nano-sheet cell and thesecond portion of the nano-sheet cell is less than a minimum n-well ton-well spacing.
 10. A method for operating an integrated circuit (IC)manufacturing system comprising: placing a first metal pattern in afirst layer, the first metal pattern corresponding to a first power railhaving a first voltage level; placing a nano-sheet cell in a secondlayer over the first layer, a first portion of the nano-sheet cellcorresponding to a first nano-sheet device, a second portion of thenano-sheet cell corresponding to a second nano-sheet device, and a thirdportion of the nano-sheet cell including a dielectric region, the thirdportion of the nano-sheet cell in between the first portion and thesecond portion, the first portion of the nano-sheet cell placed over thefirst metal pattern; and placing a second metal pattern in a third layerover the first layer, the second metal pattern placed over the secondportion of the nano-sheet cell, the second metal pattern correspondingto a second power rail having a second voltage level different from thefirst voltage level.
 11. The method of claim 10, further comprisingplacing a third metal pattern in the first layer and adjacent to thefirst metal pattern, the third metal pattern corresponding to a groundrail, the third metal pattern placed under a third portion of thenano-sheet cell corresponding to a third nano-sheet device.
 12. Themethod of claim 10, further comprising: placing a third metal pattern inthe first layer and adjacent to the first metal pattern, the third metalpattern corresponding to the second power rail; and placing a secondnano-sheet cell in the second layer, the second nano-sheet cell placedin between the third metal pattern and the second metal pattern, thesecond nano-sheet cell corresponding to a dummy nano-sheet device. 13.The method of claim 12, the second nano-sheet cell comprising an activeregion in between the third metal pattern and the second metal pattern.14. The method of claim 12, the dummy nano-sheet device comprising athru via region in between the third metal pattern and the second metalpattern.
 15. The method of claim 10, further comprising: placing a firstvia region in a fourth layer between the first layer and the secondlayer, the first via region between the first metal pattern and thefirst portion of the nano-sheet cell; and placing a second via region ina fifth layer between the second layer and the third layer, the secondvia region between the second metal pattern and the second portion ofthe nano-sheet cell.
 16. An integrated circuit (IC) module comprising: afirst die including first nano-sheet devices coupled to a first powersupply having a first voltage level, the first nano-sheet devicesgenerating complementary signals; and a second die including secondnano-sheet devices coupled to a second power supply having a secondvoltage level different from the first voltage level, the secondnano-sheet devices receiving the complementary signals.
 17. The ICmodule of claim 16, wherein the second nano-sheet devices are configuredto operate as part of a level shifter circuit.
 18. The IC module ofclaim 16, wherein the first nano-sheet devices are configured to operateas part of inverters.
 19. The IC module of claim 16, wherein the firstand second nano-sheet devices are configured to receive their first andsecond power supply signals through back-end metals.
 20. The IC moduleof claim 16, wherein the first and second nano-sheet devices areconfigured to receive their first and second power supply signalsthrough front-end metals.